Healthy living is a state of body to feel fit and stay away from any kind of communicable or non communicable diseases

Tuberculosis is also known as “The Mother of Diseases” .The WHO has declared TB to be a global emergency and has called for urgent and extraordinary action. The World Health Organization estimates that 9 million people a year get sick with TB, with 3 million of these “missed” by health systems.  It is estimated that about 40% of the Indian population is infected with TB bacteria. The disease is spreading like a wildfire especially in the regions where people are still unaware about the concept of healthy living.

TB is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Tuberculosis generally affects the lungs, but can also affect other parts of the body. TB bacteria cause death of tissue in the organs they infect.

Depending on the person health status, nutrition and living conditions the symptoms are either latent or active. Active TB disease can be fatal if left untreated. Tuberculosis is contagious and spreads through the air when people who have an active TB in their lungs cough, spit, speak, or sneeze.

The symptoms of active TB include the following:

• Coughing, sometimes with mucus or blood
• Chills
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Loss of weight
• Loss of appetite
• Night sweats.

A number of factors make people more susceptible to TB infections. The most important risk factor globally is HIV. It is also linked with tobacco abuse, smoking, malnutrition and poor living conditions. Antibiotic treatment is used to cure most cases of TB. Isoniazid and Rifampicin are the two most powerful, first-line (or standard) anti-TB drugs. However since TB is a bacterial infection, bacterial resistance to drugs is also a problem faced.

Since malnutrition weakens the immune system and complicates the existing symptoms as well as precipitates the latent symptoms, proper nutritional support and healthy living becomes very important.  Following recommendation to improve nutritional status will help beat this disease better.

1. Smaller meals:

Pulmonary disease often adversely affects nutritional intake, due to poor appetites, making patients at risk for malnutrition. Six smaller meals per day are indicated instead of three large ones.

2. Increased energy

Infection of any type is a big drain on the body and body systems. Similarly people suffering from TB higher energy requirement up to 2000-2500 kcals depending on each person condition.  Ingredients like sugar, vegetable oil, peanut butter, eggs and non-fat dry milk powder can be used in porridge, soups, gravies, casseroles or milk based drinks to increase energy content of the meal.

3. Higher proteins:

Good quality proteins, high biological value proteins are required to improve immune function, preserve tissue function, and prevent muscle loss. Pulses, fish, eggs, poultry, milk and milk products, soya, cheese, organ meats, etc should be a part of daily diet.

Explore our recipes: Cabbage Paneer Sandwich

4. Pack up on calcium and vitamin D

Include calcium rich sources in your diet like milk and milk products, green leafy vegetables, bone broth etc. vitamin D is the sunshine vitamin and a walk in the sun is the source you need. In addition, up to 750ml of milk and milk products like curds and yoghurts are recommended.

5. wholeness of fruits and vegetables

All the essential vitamin and minerals are needed in adequate amounts to protect the body function and fight the infection especially vitamin C. At least 5-6 portions of fruit and vegetables should be eaten per day.

6. Fill up with fluids

Increase fluid intake to make up for the increased losses. Juices, coconut water, soups etc. can be added. 10-12 glasses of water per day are recommended.

It is important to keep yourself updated about TB regularly and have a Healthy living and Wealthy future.